AN Epsom councillor has admitted increasing the number of disabled parking spaces in the town may have been a mistake only weeks after new bays were installed.

The construction of 22 new blue badge bays including an additional 12 in the Town Hall car park was approved last month by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

Parking charges for disabled motorists were controversially introduced earlier this month, with some opposition councillors seeing the added bays as a compromise.

But with the parking spots - which cost £50 each to mark out - apparently receiving little use, Liberal Democrat councillor Julie Morris has admitted they could end up costing the borough in parking revenue.

“Hands up - we may have got it wrong here,” said Cllr Morris.

“The increased provision of disabled bays was agreed by everyone, but at a time when the entire focus was against the ruling RA (Residents Association) group's policy to charge disabled drivers for parking.

“A recent consultation with blue badge holders found that only 25% put the Town Hall car park as their first choice car park, so to increase provision by over 100% was probably too much.

“We don't want to see huge increases in council tax to compensate for loss of income in car parks."

On Saturday (August 21), Lib Dem councillors said they observed drivers leaving the car park because they could not find a space, while many of the disabled bays stood empty.

And Cllr Anna Jones warned that local businesses may be hit by shoppers choosing to go elsewhere rather than struggling to find a parking space.

“This latest development is over the top, unnecessary and will cause resentment," she claimed.

"Ultimately, shoppers may choose to shop elsewhere which is bad news for local businesses."

But Cllr Jean Smith, chairman of the environment committee, has rubbished the Lib Dems' suggestions, arguing that it was too early to draw conclusions about the new disabled parking spaces.

She said: “It is very early days in the scheme’s operation and we understand it will take time for our residents and visitors, disabled and able-bodied drivers alike, to get used to the changes.

"We need to monitor the situation for a significant period of time, well past the summer holidays, to ensure people have the opportunity to establish the need.

“The council agreed the additional spaces in the Town Hall car park and our survey respondents highlighted both the need for improved and increased accessibility as well as improved signs.

"The signposts in the open area are a legal requirement and ensure the spaces can be clearly spotted.

"We want to make sure everyone has access to parking and will continue to keep an eye on the longer term use of the disabled spaces, not just a snap shot in time.”